Matchday 4 saw Albirex Niigata FC (S) face league leaders Lion City Sailors FC in a top-of-the-table clash. For Albirex, who had remained undefeated up to this point, it was an early-season fixture of great importance.

From the opening minutes, the opponents dominated possession and pushed Albirex deep inside their own half. The Sailors often created numerical superiority on the flanks and delivered a series of sharp crosses with speed. Despite conceding two big chances in the 6th and 10th minutes, the team remained focused and managed to withstand the early pressure.

Albirex struggled to progress the ball from the back in the early stages and were forced to defend for long spells. Then in the 18th minute, a quality cross from the right side was met at the near post, resulting in the opening goal.

In the 22nd minute, Albirex created their first major chance of the match. Shingo Nakano broke in behind the defence and attempted a looping effort over the goalkeeper, but his shot was denied. Although Albirex began finding more space behind the opposition’s back line, the Sailors continued to threaten down their left flank through the combination play of their No.10 and No.29.

In the 36th minute, Nakano was brought down inside the penalty area, but after a VAR review no penalty was given. A long ball in the 42nd minute also caused danger, but the defence dealt with it bravely. Just before halftime, Nicky Melvin Singh drove forward from the left to create a promising opportunity, showing signs of attacking improvement. The first half ended 0-1.

At halftime, Katsuyuki Ishibashi replaced Komei Iida to add more attacking presence. The change paid dividends early, with Albirex gaining rhythm through attacks originating from the left. In the 53rd minute, Cho Unsu delivered a sharp cross that Alaba met with a header, raising hopes of an equaliser.

However, shortly after, small mistakes began to hand the initiative back to the opponents. In the 57th minute, a misplaced pass led to a shot that struck the crossbar. Then in the 61st minute, following a long throw-in, a well-struck volley found the net for the Sailors’ second goal, extending the deficit to 0-2.

In the 68th minute, Takumi Yokohata broke into the box after receiving a through ball from Jared Gallagher, but no foul was called. In the 73rd minute, another attack down the Sailors’ left created a clear shooting chance. Although goalkeeper Hassan Sunny made the initial save, the rebound was converted, making it 0-3.

In the 74th minute, Albirex increased their attacking numbers by introducing Danish Qayyum and Lee Dong Yeol in place of Haziq Kamarudin and Naoki Yoshioka. The team pressed higher in the closing stages, regaining possession in advanced areas. In the 86th minute, Lee Dong Yeol got in behind the defence following a long pass from Kim Taeuk, but his shot struck the post. Albirex continued to push forward until the final whistle but were unable to find a breakthrough.

The match ended 0-3, marking the team’s first defeat of the season. Turning this disappointment into motivation, Albirex will now shift their focus toward the Singapore Cup, which kicks off this weekend. We appreciate your continued support.

【Next Match】
Singapore Cup 2025/26 – Round 1
Saturday, 1st November – 19:30 vs Geylang International FC
@Our Tampines Hub (Away)